Prácticas médicas tradicionales en Yucatán

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research into health and disease in the rural (mainly indigenous) and the urban Yucatecan population. The main goal is to describe and analyze the persistence of the traditional healers still present in Yucatan, taking into account, the changes that have occurred as result of the penetration of modem medicine in the region. A typology of traditional healers developed using technical aspects as well as symbolical interpretations. Due to the particular characteristics of the zone, the approach of ethnic identity from the health point of view is needed to analyse the adaptation processes and/or the cultural appropiation that have permitted the persistence of the Mayas as an ethnic and cultural group. But this arena can also be viewed as a social space that reflects the contradictions and social inequalities that keep the indigenous population subordinated and exploitated